Certified Mental Health Assessment Specialist (CMHAS) 

Advance your professional expertise in mental health evaluations and assessments.

Recognizing the growing demand for skilled clinicians who can accurately assess and interpret complex mental health evaluations, The Justitia Foundation and LPCA have partnered to offer the Certified Mental Health Assessment Specialist (CMHAS)  program. This comprehensive 40-hour certification workshop is designed for licensed mental health professionals who want to strengthen their skills in the administration and interpretation of mental health assessments.

Why This Training Matters

Courts and legal entities often require behavioral health evaluations in matters such as guardianship, sentencing, and competency hearings. These assessments play a vital role in determining an individual’s mental state and capacity to engage in legal processes. The CMHAS program equips professionals to meet this need with skill, confidence, and ethical precision  bridging the gap between clinical practice and legal applications.

Led by expert evaluators Dr. Tom Black and Dr. Corey Milsap, the CMHAS program blends cutting-edge research with practical, real-world training. Participants develop advanced competency in the administration, interpretation, and application of mental health assessments across both clinical and forensic settings. This specialized training strengthens professional expertise, enhances credibility, and equips clinicians to serve as trusted experts in mental health and legal contexts alike.

Upon completion, participants will earn the CMHAS credential and receive a Level C test qualification attestation from Psychological Assessment Resources (PAR) one of the nation’s premier psychological test distributors.

Upcoming CMHAS Training Dates

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

The evidence-based curriculum integrates the latest research and assessment methodologies, ensuring participants gain mastery in both clinical interpretation and forensic application. Training emphasizes the ethical and precise use of psychological instruments in judicial contexts supporting fairness, objectivity, and professional integrity. By the end of this certification program, participants will be able to:

• Analyze theoretical foundations of mental health assessments
• Apply the scientific method for critical thinking and evidence evaluation
• Utilize modern computer-assisted testing platforms
• Master key statistical concepts and complete a capstone test development project
  

Target Audience For This Training

Professionals at various stages of their career, whether just starting or seasoned practitioners, will benefit from the program’s blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. This certification program is designed for licensed and pre-licensed behavioral health professionals, including:

• Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs)
• Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs)
• Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCCs)
• Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs)
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs)
• Other licensed behavioral health professionals working in clinical, forensic, or community settings.

PREREQUISITES

The Certified Mental Health Assessment Specialist (CMHAS) workshop is open to individuals who hold at least a master’s degree in a mental health discipline. Participants must be fully licensed or soon-to-be fully licensed mental health professionals. Please note that individuals currently in internship, practicum, or graduate training programs are not eligible at this time.

CONTENT AREA

Advanced.

COURSE DELIVERY FORMAT

Live interactive webinar presentation. Attendees & presenters may ask and answer questions throughout the presentation and participate in instructor-led discussions.

Course Completion and CE Information

This is a 4 module / 40 hour workshop. Participants must pass a comprehensive exam and demonstrate their knowledge through case study analyses. Participants who successfully meet all program requirements will receive a Certificate of Completion and be awarded certification to use the title “Certified Mental Health Assessment Specialist (CMHAS).”

To qualify for CE credit, participants must arrive on time, sign in and out, attend the full duration of all 4 modules, and complete the course evaluation. Certificates of completion will be emailed within 5–7 business days following the final session. Partial credit will not be awarded.

RECERTIFCATION

Professionals must renew their certification with CCALP every three (3) years from the date of initial certification. This required recertification process ensures continued professional development and keeps practitioners current with best practices in grief counseling.